primary tenet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary tenet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental principle or belief that is central to a particular philosophy, theory, or system. Example: "The primary tenet of our organization is to promote sustainability in all our practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

For the Mīmāṃsakas, the primary tenet is that the Vedic scriptural texts are eternal and uncreated, and that they are meaningful.

SEP

With someone [like Trump] whose primary tenet is those two issues, I'm astonished".

Huffington Post

A primary tenet of Confucianism is the deference that the young should pay to the old.

Huffington Post

He started the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement VHEMTT), an organization whose primary tenet is to not have any offspring.

Vice

So from a journalism standpoint, The Huffington Post's disclaimer forfeits a primary tenet of journalism, that of covering stories objectively.

Huffington Post

A primary tenet of my personality is my strong, somewhat blind and borderline-aggressive belief that Philadelphia has the best restaurant scene.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Mr. Kochis notes that one of the primary tenets of asset allocation is rebalancing every so often.

The New York Times

One of the primary tenets of Sun Tzu's "Art of War" is that war is deception.

The New York Times

In Frozen, the primary tenets of the more generalized and inclusive "Disney Gospel" that date from Walt's time remain constant.

The Guardian - Opinion

Read it to remember that "liberal" is a label with a proud, patriotic history and one whose primary tenets are shared by supermajorities of the American people.

The New York Times

And he violated one of the primary tenets for referees by providing the gamblers with information about referee assignments, relationships between referees and players and the health of players.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary tenet", ensure it genuinely represents a foundational principle, not just a common practice or preference.

Common error

Avoid using "primary tenet" for minor or secondary beliefs. Reserve it for genuinely fundamental principles to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary tenet" functions as a noun phrase, where "primary" modifies the noun "tenet". It typically identifies a fundamental or essential principle within a system of beliefs or practices, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primary tenet" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for denoting a fundamental principle or belief. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is more common in formal contexts such as News & Media and Science. When writing, ensure that you're referring to a genuinely foundational principle, and not just a secondary belief. Consider using alternatives like "core principle" or "fundamental belief" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core principle

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the principle, emphasizing its central importance.

fundamental belief

Highlights the belief aspect, suggesting a deeply held conviction.

foundational principle

Highlights the role of the tenet as a base upon which other ideas are built.

central doctrine

Emphasizes the formal or established nature of the belief system.

key principle

Similar to "primary tenet", but can imply a broader range of importance without being strictly fundamental.

basic assumption

Stresses the foundational, often unexamined, nature of the belief.

chief concept

Highlights the conceptual aspect, focusing on understanding and thought.

main idea

Simplifies the expression to its most basic level of understanding.

essential element

Focuses on the necessity of the tenet within a larger system.

guiding philosophy

Emphasizes the practical application and influence of the tenet.

FAQs

How can I use "primary tenet" in a sentence?

You can use "primary tenet" to describe a core belief or principle that underlies a particular philosophy, theory, or system. For example, "A primary tenet of Confucianism is the deference that the young should pay to the old."

What's a good alternative to "primary tenet"?

Alternatives include "core principle", "fundamental belief", or "key principle". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "primary tenet" formal or informal language?

"Primary tenet" is suitable for formal writing and discussions. It's often used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What is the difference between "primary tenet" and "secondary belief"?

A "primary tenet" is a foundational principle or core belief, while a "secondary belief" is a less important or derivative idea. The primary tenet forms the basis, whereas the secondary belief is built upon it.